Overview
Light plays a critical role in photography, influencing mood, clarity, depth, and visual impact. Learning how to work with both available and artificial light can help you create stronger, more consistent photographs in a variety of environments.
In this micro-credential course, you'll build on your foundational photography skills by learning to use manual exposure settings, including aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, to achieve desired results in a variety of environments. Through hands-on practice and guidance from an experienced photographer, you'll explore how the direction, intensity, and character of light influence a photograph. You'll also gain practical experience using an external on-camera flash, along with techniques for balancing and modifying light to create more effective portraits.
By the end of this course, you'll be able to adapt to changing lighting conditions, use flash effectively, and create well-lit photographs that achieve your intended visual outcome.
This course is ideal if you:
- want to improve your ability to create consistent, well-exposed photographs
- are ready to move beyond automatic camera settings and work in manual mode
- are interested in creating stronger portraits using available light and flash techniques
- would like to develop more advanced exposure and lighting skills.
You must complete PHOT 021 Photography Foundations 1 before registering for this course.
Upon successful completion of this course, you'll be able to:
- apply manual exposure settings – shutter speed, aperture, and ISO – to produce properly exposed images in a range of indoor and outdoor lighting conditions
- demonstrate exposure and lighting control when changing the direction of light on a subject
- use direct on-camera flash photography techniques to illuminate subjects effectively in various photographic environments
- apply advanced on-camera flash photography techniques to create well-lit portraits in both indoor and outdoor environments
- create a controlled lighting setup that enhances the subject's appearance by intentionally adjusting the direction and quality of light in a portrait setting.
To request a course outline, contact ConEdAdvising@sait.ca.
Upcoming dates
Select an available section and add it to your cart. When you're ready, proceed to check out to sign into your student account and complete your registration.
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Register early!
- We recommend registering at least three weeks before the course section start date to support course planning and help ensure a smooth start to your course.
- Course sections require minimum enrollment and may be rescheduled or cancelled two weeks before the start date.
- Registration closes seven days before the start date for on-campus, online scheduled and blended courses, and three days before the start date for online self-paced courses.
After you've completed this course
Upon successful completion of this course, you'll be able to self-print a proof of completion document from your Continuing Education student account.
Micro-credential
SAIT Micro-credentials develop practical skills aligned to current industry standards and include competency-based testing. Earning a SAIT Technical Skills Micro-credential demonstrates to employers that you have the required competencies — combining knowledge, skills and abilities — to get the job done. Learn more.
Students who complete this course with a final grade of A- (80%) or higher will earn the Micro-credential and receive a shareable digital badge that validates their achievement.
Costs
Textbook and reading list
Included in the purchase of this course, you'll receive access to online course content in Brightspace (D2L).
Technology
To be successful in this course, you’ll need:
- A DSLR or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses and full manual exposure controls (Manual, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Program modes)
- A compatible camera lens (a standard zoom lens is suitable for most course activities; a wide-angle lens and medium telephoto lens are recommended for advanced photography projects)
- A compatible external flash unit capable of manual flash control and TTL (Through-The-Lens) metering; (built-in camera flash units are not a suitable substitute)
- At least one fully charged camera battery (an extra battery is recommended)
- At least one memory card compatible with your camera (minimum 16 GB capacity; 32 GB or 64 GB recommended)
- A Windows or Mac computer/laptop that meets system requirements for Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Bridge and standard hardware/software requirements for D2L(Chromebooks are not supported)
- An Adobe Creative Cloud subscription with Adobe Photoshop (educational pricing is available, and you can use your SAIT “edu” email address as proof of student status to access the software at a reduced rate. Adobe Bridge is included with all Creative Cloud plans.)
Additional Supplies
You'll also need:
- A memory card reader compatible with your camera's storage media if your laptop does not have a built-in card reader.
We recommend visiting a local camera retailer to discuss options that fit your budget and goals. In Calgary, consider contacting The Camera Store to ask about student pricing or promotions available.
Note: Bring this required equipment to your first class. Bringing your laptop is optional.
Financial support
Financial opportunities are available to help pay for your course fees. Learn more about how to reduce your education or training costs with available awards, bursaries, loans and grants, including the Canada Alberta Productivity Grant.
Applicable certificates
This course applies to the following certificate programs:
- Certification type
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Certificate of Completion
Train your team
Interested in group training opportunities for this course? Tell us about your organization's needs, and one of our training consultants will contact you within one business day.
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Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.